Title: Scientific transparency for sustainable biotechnology

Authors: Ad Van Dommelen, Geert R. De Snoo

Addresses: Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, Leiden 2300 RA, The Netherlands. ' Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, Leiden 2300 RA, The Netherlands

Abstract: The increasing use of new biotechnologies for industrial production represents a potential contribution to sustainable development. To realise this potential a learning process of stakeholder involvement is needed, supported by a practical tool to make biotechnology debates less confused by stakeholder controversy and more scientifically transparent. We suggest a mechanism of |learning-by-questions| to bridge communication divides between stakeholders and to promote sustainable applications of biotechnology. This new methodology for stakeholder involvement is needed since an innovative realm of genomics-based industrial biotechnology is ready for launch, while the less effective debate on agricultural biotechnology is still frustrating its sustainable development. The aim of this approach is to introduce a more transparent tool for stakeholder involvement, by which possible benefits and costs can be included in a balanced way. For this purpose, we present an integrated perspective on stakeholders, on sustainability and on science.

Keywords: industrial biotechnology; biofuels promotion; stakeholder involvement; decision support systems; DSS; philosophy of science; social sustainability; ecological sustainability; economic sustainability; sustainable development; scientific transparency; genomics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2006.011558

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2006 Vol.5 No.4, pp.415 - 425

Published online: 01 Dec 2006 *

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